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Healthy Living Blog

New year, new resolutions

Millions of Americans make New Year’s resolutions.Common resolutions include vows to lose weight, exercise or quit smoking. Here are some “new” resolutions that can help you and your family stay healthy and safe:

I will eat a healthy breakfast every day.

Eating a nutritious breakfast – one that includes one or more servings of fruit – increases your chances of getting the vitamins and minerals you need for strong bones, healthy skin and strong muscles. If you skip breakfast, you are not likely to make up the daily requirement for vitamins and minerals that a simple breakfast provides.

I will drink more water.

We need water to flush out toxins, keep our tissues hydrated, and keep our energy up. Making a plan will help you get the recommended 8 (8 ounce) glasses of water each day. Have a big glass of water before and after every meal – you’re already at six. Add one mid-morning and one mid-afternoon and you’re at eight. Also, make a point to take a drink from every water fountain you pass.

I will keep a well-stocked first aid kit in my home and each vehicle.

A well-stocked first-aid kit is a necessity in every home as well as each vehicle. Having an adequate supply of first-aid supplies in easy reach will help you handle an emergency at a moment’s notice.

Remember to check your kit regularly and replace missing items and those that become outdated. Include the following items in each of your first-aid kits: first aid manual, sterile gauze, adhesive tape, band-aids (in several sizes), antiseptic wipes, elastic bandage, antibiotic cream, calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, hydrogen peroxide, acetaminophen or ibuprofin and aspirin (aspirin is not recommended for children under the age of 12), instant cold packs, tweezers, scissors, safety pins, thermometer, and flashlight (don’t forget extra batteries).

I will take time for myself every day to reduce stress.

Stress can contribute to symptoms of illness. Take a few minutes (5 to 15 minutes) for yourself each day. Even just a few minutes of quiet reflection may help bring relief from (and increase your ability to cope with) chronic stress. Take a bath, listen to music, or go for a walk. Use this time to relax and try to think of pleasant things or nothing at all. Taking time each day to relax can help you stay mentally and physically healthy.

I will make an effort to be more active every day.

Even everyday, moderate-intensity activities (such as walking) can help lower your risk of heart disease and keep you healthy. Regular physical activity can also help to improve your mood and confidence, as well as reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Look for opportunities to be more active during the day. Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. Take an activity break--get up and stretch or walk around, or park your car further away from your destination and walk the extra distance.

I will make sure my family gets routine health screenings.

To keep healthy, adults and children need routine immunizations and preventive services or checkups. Immunizations, along with early detection or prevention of disease, can keep you healthy and improve your quality of life. Talk to your doctor about the screenings that you and your family need.

If you are in need of a primary care physician, you can find a full roster of Fisher-Titus primary care physicians at fishertitus.org, Find a Physician or call 419-660-2900.

Dr. Christina Canfield is board certified in family member. She is part of Fisher-Titus Medical Care physicians and specialists and serves area residents at Fisher-Titus Family Medicine-Wakeman, 24 Hyde Street, Wakeman. Her office can be reached at 440-839-2226. Kaiser Community Pharmacy RX Pick-Up service also is available at the Family Medicine office in Wakeman.